The scandal involving a congressman filmed while seemingly watching an “e-sabong” or online cockfight during the 20th Congress’ first regular session is a reminder for legislators both in the upper and lower chambers to observe proper decorum during plenaries, said a lawmaker.
Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said all legislators are to act with propriety when in plenary sessions. As lawmakers, all must adhere to regulations; as representatives of their respective sectors, all must strive to be role models, he said.
Flores expressed disappointment over the viral video and photos taken of AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones, who admitted to being the congressman in question.
“It’s also siguro a wake-up call. Dapat we have to follow the proper decorum while we are in session, while we are in the plenary. Kasi sobrang pangit po ng image that it will create kung may photos like that, that will be circulating,” he explained.
On Wednesday, Briones confessed he was the man in the videos, although he denied participation in e-sabong as he was not fond of cockfights and was only being invited to place his bet in a traditional one.
The lawmaker said that the video he was watching was a message sent by his nephew and was of a practice fight presenting the roosters to be used in an upcoming match.
